FAQs about Counseling or Psychotherapy, and finding Anxiety Therapy in NYC
Ever feel like you're holding it all in? This image captures the quiet tension many carry when first seeking Anxiety Therapy in NYC.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez; uploaded from Unsplash on 4/22/25.
I’m Eric Hovis, a mental health counselor specializing in Anxiety Therapy in NYC, and I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to look for the right support in this city that never stops. Below, I’m answering five of the most common questions I hear—from “What even is anxiety therapy?” to “How do I find the right fit?” You’ll walk away with clear steps, honest insights, and an invitation to explore deeper self‑compassion and change. Ready? Let’s dive in.
What is Anxiety Therapy in NYC and how is it different from general counseling or psychotherapy?
Anxiety Therapy NYC zeroes in on the specific patterns, body sensations, and thought loops that fuel chronic worry, panic, or social stress—rather than only talking through life history or relationships. In a traditional talk‑therapy session, you might explore broad themes: childhood, relationships, or career pressures. With the type of anxiety therapy that I specialize in, we still honor those themes, but we pair them with targeted practices—like somatic grounding, mindfulness, and EMDR or IFS techniques—that help your nervous system settle and your mind recalibrate.
In New York, where the pace can push your stress response to the max, you need more than insight; you need tools that work on a physiological level. We’ll slow down the breath, notice how tension shows up in your shoulders or chest, and trace it back to the earliest “stuck points”—maybe that first all‑nighter in college or the moment you felt you didn’t measure up. Then, using trauma‑informed methods, we’ll unburden those moments so you can stop carrying them in your body.
Advanced Reflection:
Pause and notice where anxiety shows up today—in your heart racing on the subway, or that tightness in your throat before a presentation. What might that sensation be signaling from your past or inviting you into bringing some attention now?
How do I know when it’s time to seek Anxiety Therapy in NYC?
You’ll know it’s time when anxiety isn’t just a “bad day,” but a barrier: work projects feel impossible, relationships feel stifled, or you avoid social plans because you’re afraid of how you’ll feel. In the queer community here, I often see people wrestling with pressure to “perform”—to have the perfect body, the ideal job, the flawless dating profile. That pressure can turn into a constant low hum of dread, and eventually, it bleeds into every area of life.
If you catch yourself checking off endless to‑do lists, masking tremors or racing thoughts, or convincing yourself you “shouldn’t” feel anxious because “everyone else seems to manage,” the invitation is clear: anxiety is knocking for attention. It’s not a character flaw; it’s your mind–body system asking for a pause, a deeper look, and a gentler way forward.
Advanced Reflection:
Ask yourself: What am I afraid will happen if I slow down? Could leaning into discomfort be the first step toward reclaiming my time, my focus, and my joy?
What should I expect in my first Anxiety Therapy NYC session?
Our first session is about collaboration and safety. We’ll spend time giving you the opportunity to share your story—where anxiety shows up, what you’ve tried, and what you hope for. Then, we’ll introduce a simple grounding, experiential or mindfulness exercise, so you can feel immediate relief and begin to trust the process.
Expect a mix of curiosity and compassion. I’ll guide you to notice bodily signals—heart rate, muscle tension, breath—and we’ll explore where those sensations feel most intense. Together, we’ll set 1–2 goals for therapy (e.g., “I want to calm my racing thoughts before bed” or “I want to feel more comfortable asking for what I need at work”). You’ll leave with a practical tool—maybe a breathing sequence or a brief internal dialogue exercise—to practice before our next meeting.
Advanced Reflection:
After that session, note what shifted: Was your mind quieter? Did your body feel less tense? Even small changes are clues pointing you toward deeper healing.
How does Anxiety Therapy in NYC work for different types of anxiety disorders?
Though every person’s “map” is unique, anxiety therapy draws from several evidence‑based approaches:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Ideal for panic attacks or trauma‑rooted fears. We gently reprocess charged memories so they lose their grip on your present.
Internal Family Systems (IFS): Helps when inner parts—like the “perfectionist” or the “critical self”—are driving stress. By dialoguing with these parts, you uncover underlying needs and soothe anxious voices.
Mindfulness & Somatic Practices: Perfect for generalized anxiety or social anxiety. Body‑based grounding (e.g., “5‑4‑3‑2‑1”) and mindful awareness help you step out of the constant headspin.
Cognitive‑Behavioral Techniques (CBT): Useful for identifying and reframing unhelpful thoughts—like “If I don’t succeed, I’ll be a failure.”
Experiential Techniques: These action-oriented approaches help bring anxiety patterns into the room. Whether through role-play, movement, or creative expression, experiential work can reveal unspoken emotions and support insight that’s felt—not just thought through.
Performance pressure is real—especially in NYC. Anxiety Therapy can help you release the impossible standards and feel more grounded.
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM; uploaded from Unsplash on 4/22/25.
In my NYC practice, I blend these methods to match your symptoms. For someone whose anxiety flares under performance pressure at work, we might pair IFS with breathwork. If social anxiety in queer spaces is a trigger, we can weave in EMDR to untangle early “not good enough” messages.
Advanced Reflection:
Which part of you is most anxious right now—the planner, the critic, the protector? Invite that part to share its story: What is it trying to keep you safe from?
Ready to take the next step?
If any of this resonates—if you’re tired of surface‑level fixes and want real, body‑mind shifts—
Click below to schedule your free 15‑minute Anxiety Therapy consultation in NYC and let’s explore how deep healing can look and feel.
How can I find and choose the right anxiety therapist in NYC?
Finding the right therapist is like choosing the right pair of shoes: you need the proper fit, comfort, and style. Here’s what to look for:
Credentials & Specialties: Confirm they’re licensed (LMHC, LPC, LCSW) and trained in anxiety‑focused modalities like EMDR, IFS, or CBT.
Values & Vibe: Do they speak your language? Check their bio—do they mention diversity, LGBTQ+ affirmation, trauma‑informed care?
Logistics: Location (or telehealth), availability (does their hours match yours?), and whether they offer a free consult (great way to test the fit).
Testimonials & Reviews: Look for phrases like “I felt heard” or “I finally understood my anxiety.” Even anonymized client feedback can reveal a lot.
Gut Check: After a quick call or consult, notice how you feel—safe? Understood? If you hesitate, trust that instinct and keep looking until it clicks.
In a city that prizes hustle, taking the time to find a therapist who truly gets you isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. When you find someone who honors your whole self—your history, your body, your goals—you give yourself permission to heal more deeply.
Advanced Reflection:
What qualities matter most in a therapist? Make a short list and compare after your free consult. That clarity alone can ease some anxiety about the search.
Conclusion
Anxiety Therapy in NYC isn’t about masking or silencing your stress; it’s about befriending it, understanding its roots, and gently unburdening your system so you can thrive in a city that demands so much. If you’re ready for tools that go beyond talk—tools that shift both mind and body—let’s connect.
Click below to schedule your free 15‑minute Anxiety Therapy consultation in NYC. You don’t have to do this alone, and real relief is closer than it feels.
Ready to feel more grounded, clear, and at peace? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Eric Hovis, LMHC. Offering online therapy for anxiety, trauma, and identity exploration across New York and Connecticut.
